"THIS IS MY STORY"

As I have continued taking rest in the USA from teaching English at a college in Ethiopia, it’s been so interesting being back in my “home area.”  Many memories have come to mind while driving by old schools, visiting friends from high school, and in walking and stopping by old workplaces. In some places and people, there has been so much change- you wouldn’t even recognize the place or person. In other places and people, nothing had changed at all or things had gone downhill.

All of this has made me think about my overall “life story.”

What has been my story? As I’ve been running the path of life, what have been the lessons learned? What changes has my story brought in me?  

What will my story continue to be and look like?

I guess for me at this point looking back- I see so many weird twists and turns. And sincerely I see so many falls. How many times should one person “fall” on a life run?  Not just stumbles mind you, but complete and total wipe-outs? Some of these wipe-outs should have disqualified me from continuing.

There have been so many instances of missed opportunities where I didn’t maximize time or fell short of expectations.  

And mixed in with those have been several continents and different jobs with different roles. I’ve been humbled to do many things far beyond my qualifications and have had the unique opportunity to live beyond our borders. 

But in looking back in recent days, what has seemed very clear about my story is my ability to fall down and fall down pretty hard and often.

And it is more evident to me than ever before that what has “saved” me through all and why I’m still here at all- is incredibly big mercy and grace- A Savior who caught me time and again when I fell and helped me to get back up and keep going.

The falls I’ve made in different seasons and even cultural contexts, still had me landing on a Cornerstone, a person who I put my trust in years ago.  God’s Son, Jesus, died for my sin, and laid His life down for mine- to become my Cornerstone. He’s the Rock, the anchor that holds. His righteousness covers my unrighteousness, and in my weakness- He shines as strength.

Without this Cornerstone, I would be NOTHING in my own story. This foundation, this cornerstone, has held.  Jesus has helped me up time and again and has encouraged me to keep going, He is with me and will keep me with Him until home, He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. He will never leave me or forsake me, nor will He ever leave or forsake you.

This song has been blessing me so much….

“Cornerstone” by Hillsong

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izrk-erhDdk

CORNERSTONE

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus name

My hope is built on nothing less
Than Jesus blood and righteousness
I dare not trust the sweetest frame
But wholly trust in Jesus name

Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong; in the Savior's love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all

When Darkness seems to hide His face
I rest on His unchanging grace
In every high and stormy gale
My anchor holds within the veil
My anchor holds within the veil

Christ alone; cornerstone
Weak made strong; in the Savior's love
Through the storm, He is Lord
Lord of all
He is Lord
Lord of all

When He shall come with trumpet sound,
Oh, may I then in Him be found;
Dressed in His righteousness alone,
Faultless stand before the throne.

These verses have been encouraging me so much too…

Isaiah 28:16

So this is what the Sovereign Lord says:  “See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation; the one who relies on it will never be stricken with panic

Ephesians 2:19-22

…you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.  In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.  And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.

1 Peter 2:6

See, I lay a stone in Zion, a chosen and precious cornerstone, and the one who trusts in Him will never be put to shame.

Romans 8:31-39

What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?  Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? … No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

1 Corinthians 3:11

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ

Psalm 18:2

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.

Psalm 40:2

He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand

I’m SO grateful through changing seasons, our foundation, our Cornerstone... REMAINS.

I’m not sure what’s next in my life story…but whatever is to come, I have to trust my Savior, the foundation that He is.  He will hold me when I fall and will never let me go.

Onward with You!

Prayer Requests

-Please keep me in prayer as I continue to take rest in Ohio with my family that God will bless our time.

-Please pray for a mission training in Richmond, VA- I will be attending with my sister the next two weeks.

-Please keep staff and students in prayer in Ethiopia, as the semester gets organized to begin again soon

-Please keep my book in prayer as I continue to write.

-Please pray for clear direction for me for the time ahead!

Thank You So Much!!!

"CARRY THE MAT"

There are many things I’ve enjoyed about being home during this “break time” from Ethiopia…

There has been extra time to breathe and think through days behind...

There has been the modern conveniences, consistencies and comforts of my home country…so shocking and nice.   There’s been seeing the “family” decorations on and around our Ohio home that always make me smile.

There are the many choices and flavors. And old favorites … like Panera Bread’s chai lattes and favorite study areas, parks and hiking trails.

 And of course I’ve enjoyed being with my American tribe!

Connecting with many supporters and prayer partners has also been a great blessing.  To exchange stories and hugs, even tears, of the months behind. So meaningful!

Another thing I’ve enjoyed so much about being home has been being back in my home church community. Hearing worship songs and sermons in a language that I can understand has brought deep conviction and encouragement.

I wanted to share in this blog post about a sermon I heard this past weekend.  I don’t remember a sermon in recent memory that has impacted me more. It was the first sermon of a three week series called: “Can I Get A Witness.” It was given by Nick Cunningham at Ginghamsburg Church (www.ginghamsburg.org).

Nick talked about how if we are really moved by something then it’s innate in us to share it.  For example, if someone sees a you-tube video that makes him or her laugh, that person usually shares it and that’s how many videos have gone “viral.” 

Then we were challenged…are we moved enough by our connection and experience with Jesus that we want to share Him with others?  

We were led to read Luke 5:17-26. There a familiar story was read about how four guys carried their paralyzed friend on a mat and took him to Jesus. When they couldn’t get through because of the crowd, they cut a hole in the roof and lowered their friend down right in front of Jesus. There, Jesus forgave the man’s sins and healed him. AMAZING- the faith of these four friends!

Luke 5:17-26

One day He was teaching; and there were some Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem; and the power of the Lord was present for Him to perform healing.  And some men were carrying on a bed a man who was paralyzed; and they were trying to bring him in and to set him down in front of Him.  But not finding any way to bring him in because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down through the tiles with his stretcher, into the middle of the crowd, in front of Jesus.  Seeing their faith, He said, “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” The scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, “Who is this man who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone?”  But Jesus, aware of their reasonings, answered and said to them, “Why are you reasoning in your hearts?  Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins have been forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Get up and walk’?  But, so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins,”—He said to the paralytic—“I say to you, get up, and pick up your stretcher and go home.”  Immediately he got up before them, and picked up what he had been lying on, and went home glorifying God. They were all struck with astonishment and began glorifying God; and they were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen remarkable things today.”

It was noted that these friends had BIG HEARTS- big compassion for their friend that drove them.

They also had a BIG BELIEF IN JESUS- in His ability that without a doubt He could help their friend.

We were then asked….Do you have BIG HEART for those around you? Do you believe enough in the power of Jesus to carry your friends, neighbors, your co-workers, your family, even strangers to Him?

We were asked : who are each of you “carrying the mat” for? Who are you praying daily for? Did I know anyone who needed Jesus- His restoration, His salvation, His hope, His grace, His peace, His healing, His love?  Of course, each of us knew so MANY. So, why wasn’t I, why weren’t we, taking him or her or them to Jesus?  We’re called to “carry the mat” and take people to Jesus.

My sister and I discussed the message all the way home and we began a new prayer time right in the car that night for some people we knew needed a touch from Jesus. 

I’ve been thinking more this past week about this message. When we ourselves are struggling or hurting, we often don’t take ourselves to Jesus first. We try eating or shopping or complaining. Or maybe we ignore the problem or maybe exercise to try to reduce our stress and anxiety,  to forget or cover our weak areas or stumbles.  Yet, it’s Jesus we need. 

Sometimes too when we see others who are struggling or those who are injured, we often cross to the other side of the street or room to avoid them.  We don’t want to get involved. Or maybe we point these people’s struggles out to them or others.  When really they just need to be put on a mat and taken to Jesus!

What does “carrying the mat” look like? How do you or can you “take people to Jesus?”  I believe there are many ways. You “witness” about Him and show people Him by your testimony, your love, your compassion, your honesty, your humility, your lifestyle. Maybe you invite a person to church or study the Bible together. Maybe you provide “presence” to them when they’re in darkness or sorrow.  And one of the most powerful ways to take people to Jesus is through prayer. 

Jesus is the Good Shepherd, the Lion, the Lamb, the Light, the Truth, the Hope, the Peace, Our Way-Maker, Our Storm-Calmer. Our Redeemer. Our Healer.  Our Savior. We can carry people to Jesus in prayer!

May we get and stay in the presence of our King and Savior because He is what we need.

And may we “carry the mat” for others who need him as well!!!

Galatians 6:2

Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Onward with You!

Prayer Requests

-I’ve extended my time in the USA for another month, please pray a restful time for me with my family.

-Please pray for the staff and students at Hope University College in Addis- as many start returning back from break time, that God will begin to prepare hearts and minds for a good start to a new school year.

-Ethiopia has its new year’s celebration on September 11, please pray for this beautiful country that as the new year is celebrated- that God will bless Ethiopia in a deep and new way in the new year ahead!

-Please pray for my book, I’m still writing.

-Please pray for my way ahead, that God will make His perfect plan clear for me, where and how I can best be used.

Thank you so much for your faithful partnership!